Shipmate Ron Miller, Bracknell RNA, receives the Legion D’Honneur
On Wednesday 2nd November 2016, shipmate Ron Miller of Bracknell RNA, was presented with the Legion D’honneur by Cdr Craig Moran RN (rtd) on behalf of the French government.
Able Seaman Torpedoman Ron Miller joined the Royal Navy aged 17, he served for 9 years, and during the Second World War, he was onboard the Cruiser HMS Diadem. On completion of his naval career, Ron also spent 3 years with the Army’s Royal Fusiliers as a Platoon Sergeant.
Ron was delighted to receive a letter from the French Embassy in London informing him that he was to receive the Legion D’Honneur, the highest French order for military merits during the Liberation of France 1944-45. An extract from Ron’s letter stated:
Dear Mr Miller,
I have the pleasure of informing you that the President of the Republic has appointed you to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur.
I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.
As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France. We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life.
I am happy to enclose your insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur and once again extend to you my heartfelt congratulations.
Since a large number of decorations has to be awarded between now and the end of this year, I shall be unable to present this honour personally to every single veteran. However, if you would like an award ceremony to be organised for you, I invite you to contact your region’s French Honorary Consul, who has been informed and is at your disposal…
Cdr Craig Moran RN (rtd), formerly Provost Marshall (Navy), was more than happy to present the Legion D’Honneur to shipmate Ron, who had recently received the Russian Medal of Ushakov for ‘gallantry at sea’ whilst serving on his six convoys to Russia and back.
Ron’s military medals include:
- 1939-45 Star
- Atlantic Star and the France & Germany Bar
- Arctic Medal and Star
- Pacific Star
- War Medal
- Naval General Service Medal (Malaya)
- Army General Service Medal (Canal Zone)
Ron also has four Russian Commemorative Medals. He is proud to mention that the French, Russian and British Ministry of Defence, after over 70 years, still remember what the British and our Empire Forces did for them.
BZ Ron, a well-deserved recognition of your service in the Armed Forces.
